Elizabeth Flores

Elizabeth “Libby” Anna Flores, 48, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at her home in Hays, Kansas, surrounded by her family. 

Libby was a midwestern girl, born and raised in Ohio. She graduated from St. Ursula High School. In 1995 she relocated to San Diego, California with her mother and sister, where she met the love of her life, Toby.  She and Toby enjoyed their time in La Mesa, CA, fishing at Lake Morena, attending little league games, eateries downtown and live music. 

Libby, Toby and their son, Cooper moved from San Diego to Carbondale, IL and eventually found their way to Hays, Kansas where they both embraced life on the prairie. They welcomed their second son, Oscar, to the family in 2007. Libby loved her Hays family, often sharing her love by cooking gourmet meals and 5-star desserts. Libby was an avid quilter and seamstress. She and Toby celebrated 23 years of marriage. 

Libby is a graduate of Fort Hays State University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. She was the Chief Operating Officer for E.L. Achieve, playing a significant role right from the start as employee #1 both in longevity and in the hearts of her colleagues. She was a loving leader providing care and support for the team as well as the larger educational community they served. She graciously shared her warmth with those around her, always with love, compassion, patience, helpfulness, laughter, cheeriness, kindness, friendliness, and inclusivity.

Survived by her husband Tobias R. Flores, sons Cooper J. Flores of Las Vegas, NM and Oscar R. Flores of Hays, KS; furry son, Tank, granddog, Addy and Gazpacho the Gecko; Mother, Stephanie Souviney (Randall) of Encinitas, CA; Father, Charles Ott (Joanne) of Erie, MI; Sister - Megan Grinpas (Angel - niece) of Encinitas, CA; Sister- Michelle Thelander of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, extended family to include Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, nieces/nephew, her Hays family and friends. And to all those whose lives she touched, her unique gift was to make you feel you were her best friend.

The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support.

In lieu of flowers, Libby’s request was to have her memory honored by supporting the Colleen Taylor Memorial Scholarship at Fort Hays State University to support the forward movement of art students and their creativity.

Colleen Taylor Memorial - Fort Hays State University Foundation (fhsu.edu) 

A celebration of life will be September 28, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Toby Ironworks Gallery/Studio, 708 Main Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Libby’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com